27022014

I'm 26 this year!  OMG. 

I was on birthday leave and I didn't know/forgot that D took leave too. For me! 

Started the day late morning for brunch at Backstage Cafe. It was situated at some ulu industrial area that without a car I wonder who will know how to get here. 

Nevertheless, it was a refreshing place to hangout in amidst the industrial estates and coffee shop next to it.

I'm a tea lover!

Still full from breakfast and was told that the next stop is a food place again, so we just ordered a smoked duck set meal. The portion looks kind of tiny but with the mashed potatoes and soup of the day, it's sufficient for a proper meal. The unassuming smoked duck slices and mashed potatoes are really tasty! Compliments each other very well. 

Down side? Not sure if they are short handed or what, but without reminders they don't seem to remember to serve the food! We waited quite a while and D had to ask before the food is served. Later we heard the customer beside us requesting for his soup to be served. After we left the place, D suddenly remembered that the set came with ice-cream too, and we forgot to eat that!!! Then again, this shouldn't require reminders right?

Next up, W39 cafe! 

Wanted to come here since some time ago because this is like the new hip place in the West. Nestled along a quiet row of shops in West Coast area, this cafe is very welcoming with its yellow and blue exterior. We need more standalone and worthy cafes here!

tea break!

And since tea break is paid for, this is what I ordered:

some fizzy ribena drink, and a slice of rainbow cake! Always wanted to try this instant mood-lifter cake but I'm usually a very boring eater who orders the safe foods so as to avoid disappointment. But this cake is up to my expectation, not too much cream, not too heavy and not too sweet. Even D said it was nice!

And of course, another slice of the boring old chocolate cake. Never go wrong. haha.

We selected an appetiser too.. Cheesy portobello mushrooms served with greens and tomatoes, cos I know D doesn't really have a sweet tooth. Presentation was lovely, machiam fine dining. Mushrooms were not too bad, but all the cheese were melted on top of tomatos... to D's disappointment. haha.

a mandatory photo together. Since it was packed inside, I purpose chose the table with coloured chairs and the logo behind for nicer photo backgrounds. haha.

W39 pet cat, which I found out is called Mimi. Lazy friendly cat!

#photobombed

After a short rest, we continued our eating journey at The Black Swan, located in the CBD area.

love the ambience!

they are known for their oysters... with an oyster bar menu. So here is a dozen ordered by D. I never understand people's love for raw shelled food, like those in clam-like shells. How is this nice??? Was forced to slurp the first raw oyster in my life. Never again!

D indulged me by recommending the lobster meal. $68 bucks for this! Once in a lifetime and at least it tasted good! The lobster was really meaty with claws almost as big as a crab's! I was telling D i never know lobsters have such large claws until now. So all the while when I eat lobster I was cheated of the claws issit? The fries were superb too! I never liked thick fries but this is really good! Dish came with some olive oil and hollandaise sauce dip but the food actually tasted good even on its own.

Though the place is atas, it was like a hangout for people to wind down after work, to chill for a meal or for a drink and chat. So there's quite a bit of chattering all the time, which is good, cos that means I can talk with ease too.

Makes me feel less awkward using my hands and the pliers to crack open the shells and dig out every morsel of lobster meat too.

D's fish, which was obviously not enough for him! He shared my lobster!

After that we took a stroll along CBD at night and ended up along the riverside.

Lovely lightings, water reflection and clouds in the night sky.

Head off for karaoke after that! One of our favourite activity of all time!

That's how I spent my 26th! 

Thanks D for the love!